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New HUD – Consumer Protection or Real Estate Industry Nightmare?

Fresh off revolutionary changes implemented in 2009, Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with the newly formed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, will be debuting yet another version of the Settlement Statement and Good Faith Estimate. This time however, we get to vote on one of two forms.

You can review the two choices – code named, “Mimosa” and “Sassafras” (you can’t make this up) by logging into the CFPB “know before you owe” website and using the industry tool. Perhaps better codes names would have been “crack” and “dope” since this seems to be more indicative of the mindset of the bureaucrats that think this is a good idea.

Really? The last attempt at simplifying the process, increasing understanding and protecting the consumer resulted in our current HUD which most agree complicated the process, made costs less transparent and presented an administrative nightmare to real estate professionals. Of course, now that we have another federal government agency involved, surely we’ll see much better results (read with healthy dose of sarcasm).

Here is a novel idea – how about before you sign documents and commit yourself to what is likely the biggest purchase of your life – take the time to understand the terms of your loan, the costs associated with your purchase and if your family can afford the payments. Common sense is rarely dispensed, especially by the feds.

Know Before You Owe > Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

CornerStones of Success Series Seminars for 2012

I am often are asked, how and why does CornerStone sponsor such high-end, high impact educational events. I love getting asked this question because within the answer lies the core philosophy that drives CornerStone. We believe that our surest path to success is to do all we can to support the success of our clients. We also believe in the axiom “anything worth doing is worth doing right” and for this reason, we bring the same commitment to excellence to every event we sponsor that we do to each closing we conduct. In this spirit, I am excited to announce the featured speaker line-up for the 2012 CornerStone’s of Success Seminar Series.

January 26th – Darryl Turner presents “Uncommon Sense: Stop Selling and Start Believing”

Our success and life are the results of the things we think about, the choices we make and how we “show up” each day. Sometimes you have to use “uncommon sense” to see through the fears and obstacles that stand between you and your potential. Do not miss this event as it will positively set the tone to make 2012 your most successful and prosperous year ever! Darryl Turner, founder and CEO of multiple real estate related companies, is one of the industry’s most sought after motivational speakers. Darryl’s mix of motivation, energy and fascinating content has the potential to not only change your career but to impact your life. Darryl’s presentation will reflect the principles explained in his recently published book - The Nine Undeniable  Principle of Uncommon Sense: Stop Selling and Start Believing. You can learn more about Darryl Turner by visiting his website at http://darrylturnerseminars.com and watching this promotional video.

May 10th – Bernie Borges presents “Build Your Business Through Your Personal Brand: How  to use social media to build your personal brand and grow your business”

If you were an early adapter of social media and have fully leveraged its potential to maximize your personal brand and bottom line, Congratulations! On the other hand, if you are like the rest of us and still trying to get the most from this exciting new medium, then this seminar is for you. Bernie Borges, owner of inbound marketing agency Find and Convert, is a leading Internet Marketer and Social Media Speaker. Bernie’s book, Marketing 2.0, Bridging the Gap between Seller and Buyer, lays out a strategic road map to develop, implement and measure social media marketing strategies. Bernie will be sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise in relationship building through content and online engagement. Attending this seminar will teach you how to engage, educate and entertain your online audience in a way that builds relationship and trust. You can learn more about Bernie, his company and see promotional videos by visiting his website at http://bernieborges.com/.

September 6th  (8:30 Start Time) – Barbara Burke presents “Remedies for Real Property Disputes in Florida” (3 CE Credits)

We guarantee this will be the most fun you’ll ever have earning CE credits! Barbara was our featured speaker at two events last year and if you have seen her before then you know she is an absolute master at bringing a healthy dose of humor and fun to any topic. Barbara has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vanderbilt and then went on to earn her Master’s and Doctorate’s Degrees in Communications, followed by a Law Degree from Florida State University.  No longer practicing law, Barbara wrote a a series of books entitled ” Real Estate Law Series” that also serve as the foundation of her Real Estate Law Series  Online University. Barbara will amaze you with her ability to provide enriching real estate law education with such entertaining delivery. You can learn more about Barbara by visiting her website at http://www.realestatelawseries.com/.

Save the Dates, Details to Follow

As a reader of our blog or a social media contact, you are getting early notice of  the seminars so please be  sure to save the date. Each seminar will be held at Polo Grill on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch and begin at 9:00 am for coffee and networking. At 9:30 am, the presentation will start and will run until 12:00 pm (we’ll give you a couple of breaks, we promise).  A complimentary lunch will be served following the seminar! We had great turnouts last year and expect each event to “sell out” this year so once event registration is open, reserve your spot early. Watch your inbox or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter to be one of the first to receive an invitation.

CornerStone Launches Short Sale Solution – The Service Firm

BRADENTON, FLORIDA – CornerStone Title announces the launch of sister company The Service Firm. The Service Firm was specifically created to serve realtors, brokers and homeowners frustrated and fed up with trying to manage the complexities of a navigating a short sale transaction.

The Service Firm is a locally based, boutique style company that works directly with real estate agents, buyers, sellers and lenders to help facilitate a successful short sale. As a third party faciliator, The Service Firm represents the “transaction,” not just the interests of any one party. This model will provide welcome relief for Realtors involved in managing short sales directly and will provide shorter timelines and higher approval rates for buyers and sellers in short sale transactions.

“We understand Realtors are not in the industry to send endless faxes, sift through droves of email and sit on hold with a lender’s call center,” remarks The Service Firm President and Lead Negotiator Kristi Service. “Our model compliments the work of the Realtor by being a partner in the transaction and results in a win for buyer, seller and the agents involved.”

The Service Firm’s website can be found at www.theservicefirm.com and offers detailed explanations of the benefits professional short sale facilitation provides to real esate agents, buyers and sellers. Additionally, the website offers an extensive list of short sale frequently asked questions and a blog keeping readers up to date with the latest in short sale news, tips and tricks and industry trends.

The Service Firm is located at 11061 Gatewood Drive, Suite 102, Bradenton, Florida 34211
Telephone: (941) 708-5484
Website: www.theservicefirm.com.

CE Credit Seminar – Contracts and Cocktail Napkins

We are closing in the final installment of the 2011 CornerStone’s of Success Seminar Series. Our fourth and final seminar for 2011 will be held from 8:30 am to Noon on Tuesday, September 27th at The Polo Grille – Lakewood Ranch Main Street. The subject is Contracts: Why You Can’t Write a Deal Up on a Cocktail Napkin and will be presented by Barbara Burke. This seminar  is FREC Approved for 3 CE Hours and includes a complimentary lunch so register now!

Barbara was with us in March when she presented on foreclosures, short sales and alternatives. For those of you who attended, you know that Barbara possesses a unique ability to make any subject fun. While she is widely recognized as one of the most knowledgeable real estate legal experts in the state, she also possesses a sharp wit and unique sense of humor. Yes, we are talking contracts but with Barbara at the podium, you can count on not only gaining education but being engaged and entertained as well.

We will be digging deep into contracts, defining requirements, identifying common and not so common issues and reviewing potential real estate agent liabilities. We will also take a look at the primary differences between the 2007 FAR, 2007 FAR/BAR and 2010 FAR/BAR forms. We’ll wrap up with some real life case studies involving contract disputes and their outcomes.

Download a Brochure and don’t forget to REGISTER NOW! Any questions or prefer to register by email – contact Mary at mary@cornerstontitle.biz

We will  soon be working on lining up speakers and subjects for the 2012 CornerStone’s of Success Seminars. If you have a subject you would like to see addressed or have heard an outstanding speaker you would like us to invite, please send your suggestions to me by emailing me at tom@cornerstonetitle.biz.

Here is a look back at the 2011 line-up:

• January – “Jet Pilots Don’t Have Rear View Mirrors” by Alan Thompson
• March – “Foreclosures, Short Sales and Alternatives” by Barbara Burke
• June – “Social Media Marketing for Realtors” by Alan Thompson
• September – “Contracts: Why You Can’t Write a Deal Up on a Cocktail Napkin”

CornerStone’s Hot Properties featured in Gulf Coast Business Review

The Hot Properties Event presented by CornerStone Title was featured in a recent edition of Gulf Coast Business Review. Hot Properties is a unique marketing event for area real estate professionals that offers a high energy, all business “speed networking” type environment to list and see the areas best feature properties. We call it 50/50/50 – 50 top Realtors pitching 50 unique properties in 50 minutes! Hot properties offers the best of both worlds – cutting edge technology and old school face to face selling.

Our next event is Friday, August 26th at 8:30 am at the Polo Grill in Lakewood Ranch. You can get more information on Hot Properties and register to attend online by visiting our website.